NILES — Though their ceremony did not last long, for the 12 graduates of the Brandywine Innovation Academy Adult Education program, Monday night’s Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education meeting marked a significant moment.

That evening, the school board graduated 12 students from the program. Before passing out their diplomas, administrators had a few words to say about the students.

Brandywine Community Schools Superintendent Karen Weimer said the board wished to honor students and their accomplishments that evening. She congratulated their achievement.

Michelle Wruble, the principal of Brandywine Innovation Academy, echoed this sentiment.

“For those of you that are graduating tonight, what an honor it is,” Wruble said. “A lot of people graduate from high school. Some have a harder time than others. They go through things in life … no matter what the reason is: You did it. You persevered and you got through. That is the important thing.”

Weimer then presented students with their diplomas as Wruble read their names aloud.

While others might have been deterred by the challenges Monday night’s graduates had faced, the students did not let these obstacles stand in the way of their education, Wruble said.

Graduate Tasha Sharrer was one example of this determination. Sharrer could not contain her tears of joy as she embraced her family and friends in the hallway after graduation.

Sharrer, of Niles, said graduating had always been a goal. While enrolled in high school, Sharrer said she had trouble feeling a sense of dedication to her school work. Then, she got in a car accident in 2013. Motivated to return to school, Sharrer enrolled in adult education, determined to graduate.

“I’m excited,” Sharrer said, wiping tears from her eyes as she held her diploma.

Now, Sharrer said she intends to continue her education at Southwestern Michigan College. Her parents were credited for encouraging her to pursue a higher degree.

After the ceremony, Wruble said that the number of graduates from the program has decreased by about half in recent years. However, she said this could be attributed to greater curriculum standards imposed by the state.

Reflecting on those who had graduated Monday, Wruble told students she was proud of them.

“There are a lot of people that don’t finish,” Wruble said. “What sets you apart is you stuck with it. Congratulations to all of you. We look forward to the great things you will do in the future.”